(PLAINFILED) - Following five years of fundraising, design, construction and installation, the Plainfield United Methodist Church (600 Simmons Street, Plainfield, Ind.) will publicly debut a new pipe organ as part of a free celebration concert open to the public on Sunday, May 7 at 4 p.m.

The new pipe organ, built in the PUMC sanctuary by Indiana pipe organ firm Reynolds Associates of Marion, Ind., is a four-manual (keyboard) instrument comprised of 51 ranks of pipes. With more than 3,500 pipes in total, the new pipe organ is one of the largest instruments in Indiana. In addition to adding considerable new pipe work built just for this organ, the new pipe organ also features repurposed pipes from a 1920s historic pipe organ and PUMC's 1970s Schantz pipe organ.

"The full funding of the pipe organ project in less than two years is certainly an accomplishment which we celebrate," said PUMC Senior Pastor Charlie Wilfong. "It's a sign of God's work among us and the strong support the congregation provides for our ministries. We pray that the use of this instrument glorifies God in worship and in service to the community through the free and open music events we are pleased to offer on a regular basis."

The free celebration concert on Sunday, May 7 will feature renowned organist Ken Cowan whose playing has been heralded by The Diapason as "nothing short of superb." Praised for dazzling artistry, impeccable technique and imaginative programming by audiences and critics alike, Cowan maintains a rigorous performing schedule that takes him to major concert venues and churches in America, Canada, Europe and Asia.

"What an honor to welcome to the organ bench one of North America's finest and most engaging organists," said PUMC Director of Music Michael Pettry. "As we publicly unveil the brand new pipe organ at the church, something of a rarity, what better way to invite the public to experience its grandeur than through Ken Cowan's inspired musicianship. Few congregations in the state will have the opportunity to upgrade its current instrument in the way that PUMC has. We look forward to celebrating this opportunity with an eye to the future, making the investment today on behalf of generations to come."